Gaming Peripherals Roundup

[amd098]

heres what i use
mouse - logitech g9x
mousepad - steelseries qck
keyboard - razer blackwidow

no 1 brand, but it all works out nicely

[TheAppleFreak]

With my desktop, I use a Razer Deathadder and a Sidewinder X4. I love both of them quite a lot.

I wouldn't recommend a headset; they're single-use items that (in reality) cost more than the sum total of their parts. Usually, buying a desktop mic is the best choice. If you're desperate for a good set, buy a cheap earpiece mic, some Velcro, and your headphones of choice. Strip the wires on the earpiece mic leading to the earbud, put the velcro on both items, and voila! You have a top notch headset.

[Romiyo]

Currently using a Sidewinder x6 and G400 combo. Keyboards i can change like underwear, but mouse, very difficult, and the G400 is the best FPS mouse you can get for a palm-gripper. Waiting for a smaller form factor backlit mech keyboard with red switches, that would be sweet.

[dav_jw]

Just made the switch (no pun intended) to a mechanical keyboard, a Steelseries G6V2, and I don't intend to go back! Still getting used to typing with that thing, though, but I highly recommend you at least try this kind of keyboard if you need a new one.

For mice, I've used a few, including a Coolermaster Storm (good mouse, but didn't like the shape), a Steelseries Kinzu (minimalistic and ambidextrous, perhaps a bit small) and a Logitech MX 518 (current). I don't really know anything about mousepads, as I do not use one.

I do not know what kind of budget you have, but as another poster suggested, avoid the 5.1/7.1 headphones and get a decent stereo kit with a separate microphone. If you prefer to keep it simple, some reputed brands have a headset version of their products, the Sennheiser PC350 is well regarded but quite expensive (200$). Personally, I use a pair of Beyerdynamics DT990, which are excellent for gaming because of their large stereo imagery and accuracy. However, not much people are wiling to spend 300+ on a pair of headphones .

[Rauch]

It's mainly about personal preference. The build quality between Razer, Steelseries, and the newest company, Roccat, are all fantastic.

I'm not a big fan of laser mice, dpi adjusting, weights, or fancy bells and whistles. I've went through 3 Logitech MX518's. Fantastic mouse. I just kept getting cord issues with them. I've now been using a Microsoft 3.0 for the past..... 4+ years and absolutely love it. It has a few extra bindable buttons that can help out, but aren't over the top or overpriced like other mice on the market. (Steelseries actually has a few mice very much alike the MS3.0.)

Steelseries is a FANTASTIC company with support that can't be matched. I've went through countless headsets with them, mostly due to issues on my end. However, they would always back their product regardless of it being a product issue; or, for instance, me throwing it against the wall :/. The original 5H's had a few issues, mainly with the cord, however, the 5Hv2 corrected all that and added a much higher quality braided cord. The braided cord is nice because it helps resist tangling and gives the cord a bit more strength for daily wear and tear. I've personally had about 5-6 5H's/v2's over the past 7 years and absolutely love them. However, currently, I'm using a Sennheiser HD555 and love that equally. It's produces a bit more bass and is great for gaming, but even more exceptional for music. Overall, you can't go wrong between the two. For added convenience, the Siberia USB sound card is a great addition.

Mousepads, mousepads, mousepads.... QCK+ Heavy and the original QCK are my choice. While the QCK+ isn't too portable, it is certainly very comfortable and great for FPS'. They hold up very well, that's all there is to it. I also have an Icemat that I like to use on occasion. It certainly gets looks from my friends when it's on my desk. Usually with the comment, "Is that a glass mousepad?!". Console gamers.... They miss out on the finer things in life

Keyboards are mainly a personal preference... What do you find comfortable? Do you need extra keys? Mainly with a keyboard it's best to look for one anti-ghosting. The more keys you can use at a single time the better! Steelseries 7G is a nice keyboard, albeit a little large. I also used a Logitech G15 for a while and it was nice as well. But at the end of the day, a good ol' Microsoft keyboard can be just as efficient as the 7G.